Aikido at the YMCA

Welcome to Aikido

About Aikido

A Japanese martial art that emphasizes harmony by blending with an opponent's attack and redirecting it, as opposed to the use of strength to block and attack. There are no contests or competitions in Aikido. It is sometimes described as an "internal martial art" because it is mental as well as physical.

Aikido's power comes from the coordination of mind and body and is manifested through one's center or "hara".

Through Aikido, we develop confidence and ability by training the mind, body and spirit. This, ideally, results in calmness, a positive outlook, alertness and focus. This enables us to appreciate all life has to offer!

What to Wear

Etiquette

Respect, for each other, the instructor and the art are essential for safe, effective training.

We bow on entering or leaving the place of practice (dojo), at the opening and closing of class, and to partners.

The Japanese term, "onegai shimasu", is said at the begining of class by all members to the instructor and during training to each new partner. It is literally translated as .I ask you please. and is a formal way of requesting to train together.

Japanese terms are learned as one practices - it is nothing to stress about! You will learn them over a period of time and training.

Stratton Sensei's Biography

I began my Aikido training in 1969 in Southern California. My first teacher was Shoji Sensei, 4th dan, who began his training in Maui in the early 50's with Suzuki Sensei and also with Tohei Sensei. The training was at a YMCA two times a week. Within a year I had started a dojo under the direction of Kobayashi Sensei, 4th dan, where I worked. He was also a student of Tohei Sensei and the head of the western region for the AikiKai. Classes were at lunch three days a week. Within the next year, I was doing breathing training two mornings a week. This allowed training 7 days a week and kept the evenings free for the family. I was very fortunate to be able to train with two very different, yet complementary Senseis. I received my Shodan in 1973.

This daytime schedule also allowed intensive training when visitors from Japan came over for extended stays. I was able to train with Senseis Imaizumi, Oshima, and Shiohira during this time.

I also started what may have been the first Aikido camps in the mainland US. These were held at a Salvation Army camp in the Malibu Mountains. The first camp was in 1971 with Kobayashi, Hirata (4th dan from Seattle) and Ishisaka (4th dan from Orange County) Senseis teaching. The next year Takahashi Sensei, 6th dan, who was the ranking mainland yudansha, was the instructor. In 1973, Tohei Sensei was the instructor and the camp was overflowing with almost 200 participants.

In 1974, I moved to Northern California. Shiohira Sensei had a dojo in San Francisco and I became his student. However, I was living in Sonoma County and it was too far to drive for daily training. I started my own dojo to continue training. There were already a few students in the area and we trained over the summer of 1975 outdoor by the duck pond at Sonoma State University. The mats were grass. In September of 1975 classes began at the YMCA in Santa Rosa. I have been teaching there continuously since then.

During this time we were affiliated with the Ki Society and followed Tohei Sensei's approach to coordinating mind and body. In the early 1990's, Shiohira Sensei resigned from the Ki Society, formed the Pacific Aikido Federation, and affiliated with Hombu dojo and the AikiKai. I currently hold the rank of Rokudan from Hombu dojo.

Aikido is a journey, not a destination. Training is about self development and self discovery. Every time I step on the mat, I learn something about myself and the meaning of Aikido. I am also very thankful for the opportunity to train with Shiohira Shihan in his pursuit of Shugyo over all these years.